X 


K$ 


< 


L 


A  Day  Dream 
In  Japan 


By    Percy    Burton 


John  W.  Luce  and  Company 
boston 


i 


Copyright,  1916 
By  Percy  Burton 


ALL  RIGHTS  RESERVED 


Dramatis  Personae: 

Persillo [Poet  and  Painter] 

Evarou [His  wife] 

Papillon [From  Dreamland] 

Li  Chi [From  Dreamland] 

[elderly  admirer  of  Papillon] 


Scene  I.      Persillo's  studio. 

Scene  II.     Papillon's  garden  in  Dreamland. 

Scene  III.  Same  as  Act  I. 


AUTHOR'S  NOTE 

This  youthful  and  unpretentious  little  poem- 
play  was  written  nearly  seventeen  years  ago 
in  the  course  of  a  two  or  three  weeks'  trip 
across  the  Atlantic.  I  was  coming  to  America 
for  the  first  time  on  a  tramp  steamer  sailing 
under  ballast;  though  officially  signed  aboard 
as  "purser,"  I  was  privately  regarded  as 
the  "Captain's  guest,"  with  all  the  privileges 
such  a  distinguished  appointment  carries. 
During  the  intervening  years  my  little  manu- 
script has  remained  on  the  shelf  at  home  in 
England,  where,  indeed,  it  has  been  mislaid 
for  over  a  decade,  and  perhaps  I  have  done 
wrong  to  disturb  its  child-like  slumber.  It 
appears  as  it  was  written  —  "when  we  were 
twenty-one"  —  unchanged  except  for  an  occa- 
sional word  to  improve  its  impulsive  metre. 
Suffice  it  to  say  that  I  have  no  illusions  as  to 
any  ambitions  I  may  have  possessed  regarding 
it,  and  am  well-content  if  it  affords  pleasure 
to  a  few  friends. 


My  managerial  activities  in  the  theatre  for 
almost  a  score  of  years  successively  with  the 
late  Wilson  Barrett,  Sir  Henry  Irving,  Sir 
Charles  Wyndham  and  Sir  John  Hare,  Sir 
Johnston  Forbes-Robertson  and  more  recently 
with  Sir  Herbert  Tree,  have  left  me  little 
personal  leisure  to  devote  to  my  pen.  But 
before  the  sun  sets  and  the  last  "star"  has 
been  swallowed  up  by  the  insatiable  maw 
of  the  "movies" — yet  ere  the  last  legit- 
imate theatre  has  been  turned  into  a  Picture 
Palace,  a  Museum  or  a  Turkish  Bath,  —  I 
look  forward  in  retiring  to  a  garden  in 
England,  —  "somewhere  in  France,"  or  to 
a  certain  beauty-spot  in  Sicily,  to  write 
another  play  for  a  perfectly  neutral   public. 

P.  B. 


A    DAY    DREAM    IN    JAPAN 
Scene  I 


A   Day   Dream  in   Japan 


SCENE  I 
Persillo's  Studio  —  Morning 


An  attractive  and  artistically  ar- 
ranged studio  —  rich,  but  sub- 
dued in  tone.  There  are  door- 
ways to  the  right  and  left  with 
appropriate  hangings.  A  wide 
opening  at  the  back,   through 

[Scene  1] 


A   Day  Dream  in   Japan 

which  the  sun,  shining  brightly, 
tints  the  paintings,  screens  and 
other  paraphernalia  scattered 
about  the  room.  There  is  a 
verandah,  about  which  twine 
flowering  vines.  Beyond  are 
pleasant  gardens  in  the  greenery 
of  early  summer.  In  the  dis- 
tance looms  the  shadow  of  a 
gloomy,  snow-capped  volcanic 
mountain  from  which  inter- 
mittently a  feather  of  smoke 
rises,  giving  a  threatening  air 
of  disturbance  to  an  otherwise 
quiet  and  domestic,  but  above 
all,  artistic  atmosphere. 

[Evarou  enters  with  flowers,  which  she 
arranges  around  the  easel  L.  C] 

Persillo 

[R.  C.  —  Pensive  and  melancholy] 
[Scene  1]  10 


A   Day  Dream  in   Japan 

Alas!   to  think  that  Love  is  but  a  dream, 

A  little  ripple  on  the  sea  of  life; 

And  that  which  makes  of  earth  a  paradise  — 

The  love  of  life,  of  wife,  of  art,  of  all, 

Should  soon  become  a  half-hid  memory, 

Leaving  an  aching  void,  an  empty  soul, 

Existence's  vague  echo  of  the  life 

Which  love  can  consummate,  and  e'en  annul. 


Evarou 

Why  are  you  sad,  Persillo?     Look  at  me 
As  you  were  wont  to  do  with  smiling  face, 
Tell  me  what  ails  you? 


Persillo 

Dearest  Evarou, 
Nought  ails  me,  though  I  ail  in  ev'rything. 

I  know  no  reason,  for  monotony, 

Save  love  has  fled  and  left  me  desolate.  — 
The  sun  seems  like  a  misty  mass  of  light: 

II  [Scene  1] 


A   Day   Dream   in   Japan 

The   flowers   no   longer   breathe   their   sweet 

perfume, 
The  garden  is  a  picture  painted  ill : 
The  songs  of  birds  have  lost  their  harmony.  — 
At  night,  the  moon  no  longer  reigns  supreme, 
The  stars  lie  buried  in  a  grave  of  clouds, 
The  breeze,  that  wafted  gentle  memories 
As  I  lay  thinking,  is  now  lulled  to  sleep, 
And  love  lies  lost. 


E VAROU 

Yet  still  your  painting  lives! 
Your  art  may  ease;    come,  take  your  brush 

and  paint 
While  I  weave  garlands  near  your  woodland 

dell. 

[She    sits    at    his  feet,    toying    with 
flowers,  while  Persillo  paints.] 

[Sce?ie  1]  12 


A   Day   Dream   in   Japan 

Persillo 

My  thoughts  still  wander  howso'er  I  try; 
My  hand  is  bound,  but  mind  roams  every- 
where. — 
I  pry  thee  sing:   a  song  of  other  days 
May  poison  prove  to  this  indifference. 

EVAROU 
What  song?     A  bright,  or  mournful  melody? 

Persillo 

Happy  and  sad,  for  when  we  gladest  are 
Our  sadness  has  a  sweetness  of  its  own; 
And  when  we're  sad  yet  happy  can  we  be, — 
A  hallow'd  happiness  that  shrouds  the  soul. 
The  thought  of  death  when  linked  with  life 

and  love 
No  longer  fear  inspires,  but  rest  and  peace. 

13  [Scene  1} 


A   Day  Dream   in   Japan 

EVAROU 

Why,  then  I'll  sing  the  song  you  wrote  your- 
self 
When  first  we  met  and  loved  as  we  do  now,  — 
Your  little  story  of  the  Butterfly.  — 

[Sings.] 

A  Butterfly  flew  to  a  lily -flower, 

Her  weary  wings  to  rest; 
She  had  flown  afar  for  many  an  hour, 

And  heaved  her  panting  breast. 

She  thought  —  as  Butterflies  think  —  of  the  time 
When  she  took  her  first  mad  flight, 

And  restlessly  seeking  new  friends  and  clime, 
She  fluttered  by  from  home  sight. 

She  was  loved  and  cherished;  the  sun  had  shone 

O'er  her  pleasant  pastime  s  hour, 
But  the  clouds  had  come,  and  her  lover  gone 

Like  a  fading  passion-flower. 

[Scene  1]  14 


A   Day  Dream   in   Japan 

She  heard  the  lullaby  sung  by  the  breeze, 

And  felt  the  lily's  heart  throb; 
Longingly  looked  at  the  brook  'neath  the  trees, 

Where  she  sank  with  one  soft  sob. 

She  had  lived  in  love,  but  she  died  alone; 

No  tear  from  a  friendly  eye. 
On  the  brink  of  the  brook  like  dewdrops  shone 

When  Butterfly  floated  by. 


Persillo 

Alas!  your  charming  music  fails  to  find 
E'en  a  responsive  murmur  of  delight; 
And  only  sad  oblivion  remains,  — 
To  hide  in  sleep  or  her  twin-sister  death, 
And  in  that  stream  Lethean  I  would  find 
Forgetfulness  of  art  and  life  and  love. 

EVAROU 

Poor  Persillo!    Are  you  then  tired  of  me? 
IS  [Scene  1] 


A   Day  Dream   in   Japan 

Persillo 

Not  tired,  my  love,  —  although  I  love  you  not 
As  I  was  wont.     My  heart  is  heavy,  and 
I  fain  would  drown  myself  in  dreams  or  death, 
Rather  than  live  in  shades  of  misery. 
This  potion,  which  I  brought  from  Tokio, 
I'll  take  e'en  though  it  cost  my  life;    'tis  said 
Not  only  is't  a  drug  of  dreams,  but  death 
If  taken  in  too  great  a  quantity. 


E  V  A  R  O  U 

No,  no!   Persillo,  take  it  not  I  pray. 
Dreams  but  deceive,  and  death  may  follow 
straight. 


[She  tries  to  seize  the  phial,  but 
Persillo  drinks,  then  gives  it  to 
her,  and  lies  down.] 

[Scene  1]  16 


A   Day  Dream   in   Japan 

E  V  A  R  O  U 

A  little's  left,  I  too  will  drink,  and  go  — 
Where  dreams  or  death  bring  me  to  Persillo. 

[Drinks,  retires  behind  a  screen  and 
falls  asleep.] 

Ballet. 

[Enter  Papillon  and  Li  Chi.} 

Li   C  h  i 
This  is  the  house  where  lives  this  Persillo, 
But  what  freak  brings  you  hither,  Papillon? 

Papillon 
To  make  of  him  a  friend,  or  more  perchance; 
Strange  though  it  seems,  Li  Chi,  when  I  have 
you  — 

Li  Chi 

And  ev'rything  you  want  that  I  can  give  — 
17  [Scene  J] 


A   Day  Dream   in   Japan 

Papillon 

Save  beauty,  poesy,  and  art,  which  make 
Your  gold  seem  dross,  your  ugliness  a  crime. 


Li  Chi 

Pity  me,  Papillon,  'tis  not  my  fault 
That  I  no  more  have  youth  or  — 

Papillon 

Well,  I'll  be 
Respectful  tow'rds  your  age  if  you'll  contrive 
To  wear  your  years  with  less  of  jealousy. 

[Seeing  Persillo.] 

But  this  must  be  Persillo.     See,  he  lies 
As  if  inspired  with  dreams  — 

Li  Chi 

Perchance  with  wine! 
[Scene  1]  18 


A   Day  Dream   in  Japan 

Papillon 

How  sweet  he  looks!     I'll  wake  him  with  a 
kiss. 

Li  Chi 

Cannot  you  be  content  to  thus  wake  me? 

Papillon 

And  waking  you  a  nightmare  give  myself? 
No.     Kisses  can't  be  bartered  but  in  love, 
And  lest  the  sight  of  one  should  torture  you, 
You  can  withdraw  and  ponder  on  the  bliss. 

L  i  C  h  i 

I  think  I'd  rather  stay. 

Papillon 

No  doubt,  but  go! 

[Exit  Li  Chi.] 
19  [Scene  1] 


A   Day  Dream   in  Japan 

Papillon 

[Kissing  Persillo] 
Poor,  pensive  poet,  why  are  you  so  sad? 


Persillo 

[Waking] 


Vision  of  beauty 


Papillon 

Well,  how  do  you  do? 

Persillo 

I  was  depressed  and  lonely  until  now, 

But  your  sweet  presence  brings  back  life  and 

love. 
Whence  have  you  come  and  whither  do  you 

go? 
You've  won  my  heart  already.     Pause  awhile! 

[Scene  1]  20 


A   Day  Dream  in  Japan 

Papillon 
Till  you  have  time  to  win  it  back  again? 


Persillo 
Not  mine,  but  your  heart  in  exchange  per- 
chance. 

Papillon 
A  wit  as  well  as  poet.  [Looking  round)  Painter 
too? 

Persillo 
More  poverty  than  poetry,  I  fear. 
My  name  is  Persillo;  yours  — 


Papillon 


Papillon. 


Persillo 
Meaning  a  Butterfly !     I  wrote  a  song 
Of  one,  which  Evarou  oft  sings  to  me. 

21  [Scene  1} 


A   Day  Dream   in  Japan 

Papillon 
The  Butterfly  I  know  —  not  Evarou. 

Persillo 
Well,  will  you  sing  about  the  Butterfly? 

Papillon 

Then  will  you  tell  me  of  this  Evarou? 
But  no!  The  amours  of  a  poet  are 
Too  old  a  tale  to  tell,  and  one  oft  told. 
Forget  this  Evarou  yet  talk  of  love. 


Persillo 

Silence  in  love  is  truest  eloquence; 
The  soul  is  dumb  in  perfect  happiness: 
Words  are  like  weeds  which  choke  fond  fancy's 

blooms, 
And  wither,  fading  like  fantastic  dream. 

[Scene  1]  22 


A   Day  Dream   in   Japan 

Papillon 
But  ere  you  woke  just  now  and  found  me  here, 
What  did  you  feel  or  see  that  made  you  wake? 

Persillo 
I  felt  a  dew-drop  resting  on  my  eye, 
A  sunbeam  dancing  in  my  inmost  heart, 
A  dreamy  peace  that  death  could  not  affright, 
A  love  that  longed  to  look  and  love  again; 
I  seemed  to  see  a  flow'r  upon  the  path 
With  petals  of  a  hue  and  shape  sublime, 
A  fairy  form  all  fair  and  fanciful, 
To  whom  the  breeze  soft  whisper'd  tales  of 

love: 
I  op'd  my  eyes,  and  saw  you,  Papillon. 

Papillon 
And  did  my  kiss  thus  thrill  you  with  delight? 

Persillo 
Your  nearness  was  a  kiss  unto  my  soul, 
And  yet  I  knew  not  that  you  kissed  me  then, 

23  [Scene  1] 


A   Day  Dream   in  Japan 

Although  I  know  that  you  will  kiss  me  now; 
Nay,  do  not  then  refuse  such  simple  suit: 
I  love  you,  Papillon  — 

Papillon 

And  I  love  you! 

[They  kiss.] 

Persillo 

How  sweet  a  thing  is  life  when  linked  with 
love! 

Papillon 
How  sad  a  thought  that  lovers  part  again! 

Persillo 

How  long  a  look  when  one  first  falls  in  love. 

Papillon 
How  short  the  dream  that  breaks  before  the 
dawn! 

[Scene  1]  24 


A   Day  Dream   in  Japan 

Persillo 
But  is't  a  dream?     Why  not  our  destiny? 

Papillon 
Well,  destiny  is  often  but  a  dream. 

Persillo 

Shall  ours  be  such,  and  shall  we  live  in  love, 
Dreaming  of  life,  of  art,  of  destiny? 

Papillon 

I  know  a  bow'r,  where,  shaded  by  the  trees, 
Flowers  bloom,  and  birds  are  happy  in  the  sun, 
Singing  to  lilting  tune  of  laughing  breeze,  — 
A  garden  which  like  Eden  is,  and  where 
We  might  be  happy  if  — 

25  [Scene  1] 


A   Day  Dream   in  Japan 

Persillo 

Mon  Papillon! 
Take  me  where'er  you  will,  your  heart's  my 
heaven. 

[Exit  Persillo  and  Papillon.] 

Li   Chi 

[Entering.] 
I  hope  I  don't  intrude. 

[Looking  round.] 

It  seems  I  don't. 
They're  fled  already,  leaving  me  alone; 
But  someone  comes:  I  will  conceal  myself . 

E  V  A  R  O  U 

[Waking.] 

Persillo,  did  you  call?     [Rising.]     I  heard  a 
voice ; 

[Scene  1]  26 


A   Day  Dream   in  Japan 

Where  can  he  be?  —  I  left  him  here  just  now; 
He  was  asleep,  and  cannot  have  gone  far. 
Persillo,  answer!  What  is  this  I  find? 
A  bunch  of  broken  flowers,  ribbon-bound, 
To  which  still  clings  a  wanton  tress  of  hair.  — 
A  faded  flow'r  from  which  fresh  fancy  blooms, 
As  weeds  when  nourished  with  the  flower's 

food, 
Will  grow  together  side  by  side  until 
The   weed,    the   stronger,    strangles   its   poor 

mate.  — 
Thus  Love  lives  happy  till  a  passion-flower 
Blooms  by  its  side  and  feeds  upon  its  strength, 
Stealing  its  honey'd  sweetness  like  a  bee, 
And  withers  then  under  bewitching  spell. 
So  someone  with  enchanting  influence 
Has  cast  a  spell  around  my  Persillo, 
And  ruthlessly  has  robbed  him  of  the  love 
Which  once  he  felt  for  me.     He  said,  alas, 
He  loved  me  not  as  he  was  wont  to  do,  — 
And  now  —  Oh !   Persillo,  come  back  to  me. 

27  [Scene  1] 


A   Day  Dream   in   Japan 

Li   Chi 
Can  this  be  wife  to  Papillon's  new  friend? 
If  so,  she  may  help  me  and  I  aid  her 
To  mend  this  broken  chain  of  circumstance. 

[To  Evarou.] 

Your  pardon,  madam,  news  of  Persillo 
I  think  you  want,  which  — 

Evarou 

—  you  can  give  to  me? 
My  heart  is  broken ;  tell  me  'tis  not  true 
That  he  is  faithless  and  left  me  —  his  wife. 

Li    Chi 
Left  you  he  has,  but  not,  I  think,  for  long, 
And  you  may  find  and  bring  him  back  anon; 
If  in  my  company  you  care  to  go 
I'll  take  you  where  you'll  find  your  Persillo. 

[Exit.] 
[End  of  Scene  /.]  28 


A    DAY     DREAM     IN     JAPAN 
Scene    II 


A   Day  Dream  in   Japan 


SCENE   II 
Papillon's  Garden  in  Dreamland 


A  finished  painting  of  Papillon  lam 
carelessly  against  a  tree,  bloom- 
ing with  pink  blossoms,  is  on 
one  side  of  the  scene,  and  a 
picturesque  little  summer-house 
abuts  on  the  other  corner,  while 

31  [Scene  2] 


A   Day  Dream   in  Japan 

flowers  abound,  and  there  is  the 
sound  of  a  gently  rippling 
stream  just  in  sight.  Papillon 
is  lying  full  length  on  the  green 
grass,  with  arms  akimbo,  to- 
wards the  front  and  in  the 
centre  of  the  scene,  toying  with 
some  and  petulantly  destroying 
other  of  the  flowers,  which  she 
plucks  and  throws  aside,  in  an 
evident  state  of  boredom  and 
disillusionment.  Persillo  is 
painting  under  the  trees  at  the 
back,  immersed  in  his  work  and 
quite  unconcerned  with  Papil- 
lon. He  is  evidently  inspired 
by  other  thoughts  and  with 
another  theme. 


Papillon 

You  love  your  painting  more  than  Papillon, 
[Scene  2]  32 


A   Day  Dream  in   Japan 

The  songs  of  birds  than  sound  of  my  poor 

voice; 
The    sunshine    is    more    welcome    than    my 

smiles: 
A  flow'r  more  fascinating  —  far  more  fair, 
Than  I  have  grown.     A  tree  demands  more 

time, 
Temper  and  talent  than  you  give  to  me. 
At  night,   the   moon  outshines  my  beauty; 

now 
Stars  are  the  eyes  whose  fond,  far  gaze  you 

love; 
The  sky  has  more  attractive  face  than  mine, 
Though,  till  my  picture  painted,  you  would 

say, 
Mine  was  the  moon,  star,  sun-light  of  your 

soul. 


Persillo 

Peevish  Papillon !  Would  you  have  me  e'er 
Kissing  and  cooing  —  lying  at  your  feet 

33  [Scene  2] 


A   Day   Dream   in   Japan 

As  some  bough  lopped  from  one-time  fruitful 

tree 
For  you  to  fondle  till  the  blossoms  fall, 
And  then  throw  from  you  as  a  child  its  toy? 


Papillon 

No!   I'm  the  toy;  too  well  you  make  me  see 

Your  play-time's  finished  and  you  tire  of  me: 

Only  a  play-thing  you  can  lay  aside, 

And  find  a  new  one  just  as  easily; 

Once  you  were  wont  to  do  all  I  desired, 

But  now  you  paint  and  dream,  and  then  you 

mope, 
When  you  have  pleased  yourself  to  heart's 

content. 

[Speaking  to  herself.] 

But  it  was  ever  thus.     Men  love  and  lose 
Their  fancies  just  as  we  weak  women  do. 
How  many  have  I  lov'd  and  lost  before? 

\Scene  2]  34 


A   Day  Dream   in  Japan 

Time  runs  too  fast  to  think  of  each  amour. 
Life's  leaves  soon  scatter  in  the  autumn  wind, 
Although  I'm  only  in  my  summer-time.  — 
I  wonder  what's  become  of  poor  Li  Chi,  — 
He's  near  life's  winter,  though  still  ripe  with 
wealth. 

Persillo 
Poor  Papillon!   We're  both  to  blame,  I  fear. 
'Tis  true  my  art  I  love,  but  you  much  more, 
Although  the  time  spent  in  your  company 
Seems  to  me  wasted  when  I  do  aught  else 
But  look  at,  or  caress,  or  talk  to  you. 

Papillon 
I  never  spoke  nor  harbor'd  such  a  thought 
Though  it  may  be  just  what  you  feel  yourself, 
And,  lest  your  day-dream  be  disturbed  by  me, 
I'll  leave  you  to  your  own  sweet  company. 

[Exit  Persillo  and  Papillon.] 
[Enter  Evarou  and  Li  Chi.] 

35  [Scene  2] 


A   Day  Dream   in  Japan 

Li   Chi 

This  is  the  garden.     Here  we'll  wait  awhile. 
Travel  is  tedious;  and  you  are  tired. 

E  v  A  R  o  u 

Not  with  the  journey.     Distance  is  a  dream : 
The  waking  to  love's  loss  —  reality. 

Li  Chi 
Love  still  may  be  regained,  if  you  with  care 
Arouse  the  interest  of  Papillon; 
Be  not  too  sudden  or  importunate, 
But  with  discretion  and  diplomacy 
Beseech  her  pity  with  a  patient  tongue. 
She  is  a  woman,  and  must  needs  be  woo'd : 
First  gain  her  ear  and  then  besiege  her  heart, 
Which  you  may  find  and  thus  win  Persillo. 

E  v  A  R  o  u 
Perhaps  Persillo  might  be  found  alone; 
I  could  with  more  persuasion  speak  to  him. 

[Scene  2]  36 


A   Day  Dream  in  Japan 

L  i   C  h  i 

His  ire  you  might  incur  by  coming  here, 
At  all  events  Papillon's  jealousy, 
Whereas  if  with  her  aid  you  arm  yourself 
The  battle  is  already  half  achieved.  — 
I  hear  a  footstep,  and  will  stand  aside 
Until  an  opportunity  arrives, 
When  I  will  my  entreaties  add  to  yours. 

[Li  Chi  withdraws.] 
[Enter  Papillon.] 

Papillon 
What  can  I  do  for  you? 

E  v  a  r  o  u 

Your  pardon  grant. 
I  am  a  stranger  who  has  lost  her  —  way, 
And  seeing  this  retreat  just  stepped  aside 
To  rest  my  feet  and  ease  my  mind  awhile. 

37  [Scene  2] 


A   Day   Dream   in  Japan 

Papillon 

You're  welcome  here.     Is  there  aught  else,  I 

pray, 
To  offer  you  in  hospitality? 


E  V  A  R  O  U 

I  thank  you,  no!  Nothing  save  rest  I  need. 

Papillon 

Have  you  come  far?  —  Your  face  looks  wan 

and  worn, — 
Or  you  may  mourn  the  loss  of  someone  dear? 

E  V  A  R  O  U 

Both  a  long  journey  have  I  made,  and  mourn 
The  loss  of  one  who  was  most  dear  to  me. 

Papillon 
Thro'  death? 
[Scene  2]  38 


A   Day  Dream   in   Japan 

E  V  A  R  O  U 

Alas!    I  know  not,  it  may  be,  — 
But  some  time  since  my  husband  went  from 

me, 
Vanish'd  as  in  a  dream,  without  a  word, 
Leaving  me  —  lone  and  desolate  —  to  mourn 
His  death  or  faithlessness,  I  know  not  which. 

Papillon 
But  was  there  nothing  left,  no  sign  to  show? 

EVAROU 

Only  this  ribbon  bound  with  flow'rs. 

Papillon 

[Aside.] 
'Tismine! 

[Pause.] 
His  name  is  — 
39  [Scene  2] 


A   Day  Dream   in   Japan 

E V ARO  U 

Persillo,  —  mine,  Evarou. 

Papillon 
Did  he  love  you  before  the  other  came 
And  robbed  another's  nest  unwittingly? 

Evarou 
Happy  we  were  from  morn  till  dewy  eve 
Among  his  paintings  and  his  poetry; 
For  none  he  loved  but  me,  and  I  loved  him 
More  than  my  life  or  aught  contained  therein. 

Papillon 
My  name  is  Papillon  — 

Evarou 

Then  you  are  she, 
Of  whom  I've  heard!  whose  power  I  know  too 

well. 
Why  did  you  take  from  me  my  Persillo? 

[Scene  2]  40 


A   Day  Dream   in   Japan 

He  loved  me  only  till  you  came  and  snared 
His  soul  by  some  delusion  or  a  dream, 
From  which  he'll  wake,  and  wish  himself  again 
In  his  own  homestead  with  his  Evarou. 


Papillon 
True  is  it  that  your  Persillo  is  here, 
But  he  is  mine  and  I  have  won  his  love, 
Which  when  I  gained  I  only  knew  your  name — 
Not  that  you  were  his  wife. 


E  v  A  R  o  u 

Now  that  you  know 
Will  you  not  yield  him  up  to  me  again? 

Papillon 
Why  should  I  suffer  so?     We  now  are  one : 
I  love  Persillo,  and  he  loves  but  me: 
He's  mine,  and  I  am  his  so  long  as  he 
Pleasure  and  joy  takes  in  my  company. 

41  [Scene  2] 


A   Day  Dream   in  Japan 

E  V  A  R  O  U 

But  pity  take  on  me.     I  cannot  live 
Without  Persillo.     Life  is  worse  than  death 
When  all  one  loves  and  lives  for  vanishes. 

L  i   C  h  i 

[Coming  out.] 

Yes,  pity  take,  Papillon,  on  his  wife, 
And  on  me  too:  I  love  you  more  than  life. 

Papillon 
Your  love  and  life  are  worth  about  the  same; 
One  word's  their  value:  Nothing  is  its  name. 
So  this  is  how  she  found  her  way  to  him! 
The  mystery's  soon  solved,  though  'tis  as  well 
I  know  that  Persillo  has  other  ties 
Stronger  than  those  perhaps  which  bind  our 

love, 
And  he  shall  make  his  choice  between  us  two. 
Here  comes  Persillo!  I  will  speak  with  him 
While  you  two  in  this  summer-house  will  hide. 

[Scene  2]  42 


A   Day   Dream   in   Japan 

Feign  making  love,  and  then  with  jealousy 
I'll  tempt  the  truth  from  him  in  word  or  deed. 

[Evarou  and  Li  Chi  go  into  summer- 
house.     Enter  Persillo.] 

Persillo 
Where  have  you  been,  Papillon,  all  this  while? 
Why  do  you  look  on  me  with  such  sad  eyes? 
A  tear  is  glist'ning  on  your  brow  and  seems 
A  wat'ry  visitor  from  sorrow's  cloud, 
Keeping  the  brightness  from  the  summer  sky 
Of  your  fair  face.     Tell  me  what  makes  you 
mourn? 

Papillon 
A  thought,  a  fear! 

Persillo 

Of  what,  mon  Papillon? 

Papillon 
Your  love,  Persillo,  if  I  have  it  all? 

43  [Scene  2] 


A   Day  Dream   in    Japan 

Persillo 

I  love  you,  Papillon,  as  e'er  I  did, 

As  fervently  as  when  we  met  at  first 

My  soul,  drawn  by  the  magnet  of  your  own, 

Flew  to  your  breast,  and  nestled  like  a  bird, 

Which,  seeking  shelter  driven  by  the  storm 

Of  unrest,  found  a  kindred  spirit  there. 

I  love  you  more  than  e'er  I  loved  before. 

Papillon 
Even  than  Evarou,  your  one-time  wife? 

Persillo 
What  makes  you  think  of  her?     'Tis  different. 

Papillon 

Where  is  the  diff'rence  'tween  my  love  and 

hers? 
Am  I  not  all  in  all  to  you,  —  and  more? 
Where  is  the  difference  between  us,  then? 

{Scene  2\  44 


A   Day  Dream   in   Japan 

Persillo 
You  are  my  muse,  —  inspirer  of  my  dreams. 
Mistress  of  Nature,  mother  of  my  Art. 
Nurturing  my  ambition  like  the  sun 
Which,  shining  on  the  bud,  brings  forth  the 

flower, 
So  does  your  inspiration  wean  my  will 
From  weakness  unto  strength,  from   thought 

to  deed,  — 
You,  Papillon,  are  to  my  love-lit  soul, 
As  varied  as  the  colors  which  adorn 

The  body  of  your  namesake  Butterfly 

She  is  my  wife! 

Papillon 
Am  I  your  mistress,  then? 
Till  now  I  never  knew  you  had  a  wife ; 
You  didn't  tell  me,  though  I  asked  you  not 
But  was  content  to  pluck  the  passion-flower 
Without  a  thought  if  it  would  bloom  again. 
But  now  that  we  have  reached  the  root  of 
this, 

45  [Scene  2} 


A   Day  Dream   in  Japan 

And  ere  'tis  buried  in  the  ground  once  more, 
What  future  will  the  flow'r  of  fancy  have? 
Is  she  to  fade  from  memory,  and  then 
Reality  regain  her  former  place? 

Persillo 

Never  will  you  fade  from  my  memory, 
Papillon.     And  my  love  will  live  with  you 
Till  you  grow  tired  of  me,  and  then  we'll  part 
Not  in  farewell  eternal,  but  as  friends,  — 
To  go  our  ways,  and  ere  long  meet  again. 

Papillon 
And  Evarou?     Will  she  agree  to  this 
Arrangement,  when  she  hears  of  it,  think  you? 

Persillo 
Who  wots  not  of  the  old  won't  know  the  new. 

Papillon 
She  knows! 
[Scene  2]  46 


A   Day  Dream   in  Japan 

Persillo 
She  knows,  you  say?    But  how,  and  when? 
You've  told  her,  you,  false  traitress  that  you 

are, 
And  have  destroyed  her  world  of  happiness 
In  which  she  lived,  loving  and  trusting  me. 
You  had  my  love,  why  murder  hers  for  me, 
In  killing  hers  you've  murdered  mine  for  you; 
I  hate  you,  yes!  with  a  far  deeper  hate 
Than  e'er  I  loved  before:  I  loathe  you  now! 

P  A  P  I  L  L  O  N 

Thus  fades  love's  flow'r  choked  by  the  weed  of 

hate, 
E'en  while  the  butterfly  its  petals  press. 
Poor  Persillo!     Your  burst  of  passion  tells 
Only  too  well  how  brief  would  be  our  life 
In  Love's  dream  ere  the  rude  awak'ning  came. 
I  did  not  tell  your  wife,  though  she  is  here. 

Persillo 
Here?     How  and  where?     What  mean  you, 
Papillon? 

47  [Scene  2] 


A   Day   Dream   in   Japan 

Papillon 
Look  in  the  summer-house  where  oft  you  sat 
Kissing  and  fondling  me.     What  do  you  see 
That  makes  you  turn  so  pale  and  tremble 

thus? 
Surely,  to  make  love  is  not  very  strange 
For  one  so  young  and  sweet  as  Evarou? 

Persillo 

My  God!    My  wife!    No,  no!    It  cannot  be, 
Who  lets  that  smiling  scoundrel  fondle  her. 
It  is  a  spectre  of  my  Evarou, 
A  shadow  of  the  real,  a  ghost-like  dream 
I  see.     She  speaks;  Evarou,  answer  me. 
She  comes  this  way;  she  answers  to  my  call. 
Shadow  or  substance  she  is  false  to  me, 
And  dies  in  dream  or  in  reality; 
Speak  but  one  word,  Evarou  — 

Evarou 

Persillo! 

[Scene  2]  48 


A   Day  Dream  in   Japan 

Persillo 
Yes,  I  am  Persillo,  but  who  are  you? 
I  know  you  not;  I  knew  you  once,  but  now 
E'en  your  acquaintance  is  forgot;  your  love 
I  spurn  with  all  the  hate  I  have;  your  death 
Is  only  too  deserv'd  —  deceiver,  die. 

[Stabs  Evarou.] 

What  have  I  done,  Evarou,  speak  to  me; 
Your  heart  is  bleeding,  and  your  wounded  eyes 
Peer  from  your  poor,  pale  face  like  two  cold 

stars, 
Lighting  a  bloody  deed  the  darkness  fears 
To  face  without  the  dying  gleam  of  day, 
Which  penetrates  the  sable  shroud  of  night. 
What  does  this  mean,  Papillon?  See,  she  steals 
Away  upon  the  arm  of  that  old  knave 
With  whom  I  saw  Evarou  just  before. 
It  was  some  trick,  some  plan  of  Papillon, 
Some  web  wherein  she  would  entangle  me. 
Only  one  way  remains  —  the  path  of  death, 
Whither  I'll  wander  to  find  Evarou. 

[Stabbing  himself.] 

49  [End  of  Scene  II] 


A    DAY    DREAM     IN    JAPAN 
Scene    III 


A   Day  Dream   in   Japan 


SCENE   III 
Persillo's  Studio  —  Evening 


Persillo's  studio  as  at  end  of  Scene 
I.  Evarou  and  Persillo  are 
lying  asleep  exactly  in  the  same 
positions  as  at  the  termination 
of  Scene  I,  which  remains  un- 
changed with  the  exception  that 
the  time  is  evening  and  the  sun 
has  set. 

53  [Scene  3] 


A   Day   Dream   in   Japan 

Persillo 

[C.  waking.] 

Ye  gods!  Am  I  awake  then,  and  is  death 

Only  a  little  sleep,  a  haunting  dream 

From  which  one  wakes  to  live  on  in  remorse, 

Loveless  and  lonely,  only  half  alive, 

Existing  on  thro'  all  eternity; 

Breathing  and  thinking,  but  devoid  of  power, 

Asleep  in  action,  but  in  thought  awake? 

Remorse!    Oh!  endless  echo,  sadd'ning  sound, 

Tolling  the  knell  of  happiness  and  hope: 

The  sunset  of  the  soul,  that  blood-red  hue 

Of  tragedy,  though  all  unlike  the  sun, 

Which  only  sinks  to  rest  and  rise  again,  — 

While  Evarou,  my  sun,  my  moon,  my  star, 

Light  of  my  life,  for  e'er  extinguished 

By  one  unmeant,  unwilling,  unkind  blow! 

[Going  up  stage  and  looking  round.] 
{Scene  3]  54 


A   Day  Dream   in  Japan 

How  ev'ry  old  association  wakes 
By  the  familiar  sight  of  things  I  see!  — 
The  fans  I  painted,  but  by  her  inspired, 
Poems,  which  my  hand  penned,  but  her  soul 

bore, 
These    flow'rs    whose    very    perfume    is    her 

breath, 
Whose  pretty  petals  grew  beneath  her  smile, 
And,  like  the  leaves,  when  she  left,  drooped 

and  died !  — 
This  chair  where  often  we  caressed,  and  lay, 
One  cushion  bearing  both  our  happy  heads,  — 
This  corner  and  this  screen.  —  Oh !  God  of 

Heav'n! 
Cannot  repentance,  self-reproach,  remorse, 
Bring  back  the  spirit  of  my  Evarou? 

[Weeps.] 

[Falling  on  his  knees,  Persillo 
knocks  over  the  screen. — Evarou 
discovered  asleep, — Moonlight 
shining  full  on  her  face.] 

55  [Scene  3] 


A   Day  Dream   in   Japan 

Persillo 

[Surprised  and  startled.] 

What  do  I  see,  —  or  do  I  dream  I  see 
Evarou's  apparition?     Surely  she? 
Reflection  of  the  real,  or  phantasy, 
But  still  the  spirit  of  my  Evarou ! 
How  pitifully  pale!  How  pure!  How  cold 
Is  death's  mysterious  shadow!     Spirit,  speak 
Forgiveness  in  one  undeserved  word ! 
Pardon  my  heinous,  heartless  crime!     Alas! 
Must  I  for  ever  mourn  mv  Evarou? 


Persillo ! 


Evarou 

[Waking.] 


Persillo 

Evarou,  spirit  of  her 
I  once  called  wife  ere  this  calamity, 
Which  I  repent  and  mourn  so  bitterly,  — 
Do  not  forsake  me !    Stay  with  me  awhile ! 

[Scene  3]  56 


A   Day  Dream   in  Japan 

E  V  A  R  O  U 

Surely,  Persillo,  why  should  /  leave  you? 
Women  are  weak  except  in  Love,  but  then 
Their  weakness  gives  them  strength,  for  Love 

is  life, 
And  loss  of  Love  a  lonely,  living  death, 
Devoured  by  memories  till  driven  mad. 

Persillo 

But,  Evarou,  I  only  went  astray, 
Tempted  by  an  enticing  butterfly, 
Which  lured  me  on  across  a  garden  fair 
Until  it  perched  upon  a  passion-flower, 
Which  lost  its  perfume,  and  its  color  fled, 
Like  a  false  blush  departing  when  the  rouge 
Is  rubbed  away  by  careless  hand  or  lip,  — 
Only  a  wayward  fancy  which  I  mourn 
More  for  my  faithlessness  than  its  deceit. 

E  v  A  r  o  u 
Well !     Your  forgetf ulness  I  will  forgive, 
But  tell  me,  —  came  I  hither  in  a  faint 

57  [Scene  3] 


A   Day  Dream   in   Japan 

Or  slumber  from  that  garden  where  we  met 
When,  as  I  looked  on  you,  my  mem'ry  fled? 
Not  e'en  a  random  recollection's  left, 
Since  seeing  you  I  left  Li  Chi  and  came 
Tow'rds  you  with   open,  outstretched,  eager 

arms, 
Full  of  desire,  but  failing  ere  we  met, 
For  shadows  seemed  to  seize  my  consciousness, 
Taking  me  captive  till,  when  here,  I  woke! 

Persillo 
Alas !  I  know  not  e'en  how  I  returned ; 
Naught  do  I  recollect  since  that  sad  time, 
When  o'er  your  body  as  I  mourned  I  drew 
My  sword  to  kill  myself. 

E  v  A  R  o  u 

To  kill  yourself? 

Persillo 

Yes!  Evarou,  and  in  another  world 

To  find  forgiveness  and  the  wand'ring  soul 

[Scene  3]  58 


A   Day   Dream   in   Japan 

Of  her  whose  form  fair  e'en  in  death's  dark 

dream 
I  murdered. 

EVAROU 

[Shocked.] 

Persillo!     You  murdered!     Whom? 
Not  Papillon,  or  Li  Chi,  who  took  me 
To  find  and  bring  you  back. 

Persillo 

Oh !  Evarou ! 
Would  it  had  been  or  Papillon  or  he 
That  old  knave  I  saw  in  your  company 
Rather  than  you  yourself  — 

Evarou 

[Surprised.] 

Rather  than  me! 
What  mean  you,  Persillo? 

59  [Scene  3] 


A   Day  Dream   in   Japan 

Persillo 

I  mean,  my  love, 
Would  it  had  been  myself  or  anyone 
Rather  than  you  I  killed. 

E  v  a  r  o  u 

[Surprised.] 

Rather  than  me! 
I  do  not  understand!     You  killed  me  not! 
You  dream,  Persillo,  or  we  both  have  been 
In  sphere  of  shadows  and  a  world  of  dreams. 

Persillo 
But  are  you  not  a  spirit?     Do  you  live? 

E  v  A  r  o  u 

Why!     What's  the  matter,   poor,   pale   Per- 
sillo? 
You  tremble  like  a  listless,  autumn  leaf, 
Blown  by  the  wind,  which  wavers  to  and  fro, 

[Scene  3]  60 


A   Day  Dream   in   Japan 

Uncertain  if  to  stay,  or  where  to  go !  — 
I  have  been  sleeping,  so  I  think  have  you, 
And  dreaming  both.  —  Kiss  me,  you  need  not 

fear; 
It  may  persuade  you  I  am  Evarou, 
No  spirit,  but  your  loving,  living  wife ! 

Persillo 

[Kissing  her.] 
You  are,  indeed!     No  more  I'll  go  astray! 

E  v  a  r  o  u 

But  if  within  Dreamland's  confines  you  may! 
The  change  of  scene,  I  think,  has  done  you 
good! 

Persillo 

Yes!  Love  is  living  once  again,  and  I 

No  longer  feel  that  sad  monotony, 

Which  robed  me  round  in  melancholy  garb 

61  [Scene  3] 


A   Day  Dream   in  Japan 

Ere  pilgrimage  I  made  with  Papillon.  — 
See  how  the  sun  has  climbed  o'er  yonder  hill, 
As  now  its  duty  done  it  goes  to  rest.  — 
But  once  again  in  dreamy  melody, 
Some  story  tell  me,  Eve,  in  tuneful  song, 
For  maybe  'twas  your  music's  memory, 
Which  haunted  us  along  sleep's  silv'ry  stream, 
Steering  our  separate  barques  with  harmony 
Down  dreamy  currents  similar  in  source  — 
To   part,    and   meet,    and   part  —  and   meet 
again ! 


E  V  A  R  O  U 

What  shall  I  sing? 


Persillo 

Of  what  but  of  a  kiss! 
[Scene  3]  62 


A   Day  Dream  in   Japan 

E  V  A  R  O  U 

[Singing.] 

The  Butterfly's  breath  on  the  flow V, 

That  answers  his  caress 
With  look  of  love  and  silent  pow'r, 

As  he  her  petals  press. 

The  song  the  bird  chirps  to  her  mate, 

The  bee  hums  to  the  flow'r, 
The  love-charm  of  a  tete-a-tete, 

The  sunshine  of  life's  hour. 

The  magic  of  the  moonlit  sky, 

The  story  of  each  star, 
Whisp'ring  one  loving  lullaby 

To  earth  forlorn  and  far. 

For  what  is  Love,  or  what  is  Life, 

And  what  is  Death  but  this? 
A  link  'tween  earth  and  heaven  above,  — 

The  imprint  of  a  kiss! 

[Curtain] 
63 


i 


THE  LIBRARY 
UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 

Santa  Barbara 


THIS  BOOK  IS  DUE  ON  THE  LAST  DATE 
STAMPED  BELOW. 


Series  9482 


3  1205  02112  3516 


UC  SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY 


A  A  001  425  172  2 


